Kväveremoväxter

Kväveremoväxter is a Swedish term referring to plants that are able to thrive in nitrogen-poor environments. These plants have developed specific adaptations to overcome the scarcity of nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for plant growth. This adaptation allows them to colonize habitats such as bogs, heathlands, and sandy soils where other plant species struggle to survive.

One common adaptation is the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Certain kväveremoväxter, often in symbiotic relationships with bacteria, can convert nitrogen gas from the air into a usable form that the plant can absorb. Another strategy involves efficient nutrient uptake and recycling. These plants may have extensive root systems to capture any available nitrogen or have specialized tissues to store and re-use nitrogen from senescing leaves.

A further adaptation seen in some kväveremoväxter is carnivory. These plants supplement their nutrient intake by trapping and digesting insects or other small animals. This is particularly common in species found in very wet, acidic, and nutrient-deficient environments like many peat bogs. Examples of kväveremoväxter include various species of heather (Calluna and Erica), certain sedges, and carnivorous plants like sundews (Drosera) and pitcher plants (Sarracenia). Their presence is often indicative of specific soil conditions and ecological niches.